Report issued on DC girl’s disappearance

On March 27, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier describes the search in the Aquatic Gardens a recovery operation. But she says they still have hope that Relisha Rudd is alive. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)

BEN NUCKOLS Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A review of District of Columbia government interactions with the family of a missing 8-year-old girl has recommended more than two dozen policy changes but concluded that none of those reforms would have prevented her disappearance.

Relisha Rudd was last seen on March 1 in the company of a janitor at the homeless shelter where Relisha lived with her mother and brothers. Relisha’s family had allowed her to spend time with Khalil Tatum. After Relisha was reported missing, the body of Tatum’s wife was found in a motel, and Tatum was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The District government released a report on Tuesday about its dealings with Relisha’s family. Officials say one reason her disappearance couldn’t have been prevented is that her relatives provided misleading information.

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